German Pilot Parachute Harness

With the technological development of aircraft and the increasing skills required of pilots, the perception arose that the pilot — with his knowledge, training, and experience — was the most valuable asset in the man-machine partnership, far more precious than the aircraft he flew. Consequently, parachutes began to be used by all pilots and crew members. This example of a German parachute harness from the Second World War, part of the Military and Armament Collection of the Museum of Angra do Heroísmo, is believed to have been in use between 1940 and 1943.